Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I observed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as click here overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting mastersons bar for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance mastersons bar review adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.